Group graduation picture

OFFICE OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS (OGA)

‌Hello! Hola! Bonjour! Privet! Hej! Guten tag! Ni hao! Salam! and Jambo!

The Office of Global Affairs (OGA) helps prepare Rockford University students, faculty and community constituents for active participation in a rapidly changing global society by internationalizing our campus and curriculum, facilitating experiential learning opportunities, and developing our international partnerships to achieve Rockford University’s strategic objectives.

A MESSAGE FROM ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY.YOU ARE WELCOME HERE! 

Check Out Our Global Spotlight Students of the Month!

 

Global Connections Newsletter

Global Connections Newsletter, Fall 2021

Global Connections Newsletter, Spring 2021

Global Connections Newsletter, Fall 2020

Global Connections Newsletter, Spring 2020

Global Connections Newsletter, Fall 2019

Global Connections Newsletter, Spring 2019

Global Connections Newsletter, Fall 2018

Global Connections Newsletter, Spring 2018

Global Connections Newsletter, Fall 2017

RU Connect Brochure

RU Connect – Explore Rockford University

 

Global Faculty Fellow

Program Chair and Associate Professor of Physics, Deepshikha Shukla, Ph. D. is the current Global Faculty Fellow at Rockford University. With her experience in the education systems of India and the US, she is passionate about creating a culture where domestic and international students, faculty and staff symbiotically co-habitate. Assimilation of international students at RU and promoting international experience for the entire campus lies at the core of her initiatives. Internationalization is her ‘mantra’.”

Community Friends Program 

The Community Friends Program matches families in the Rockford community with international students. These families help international students by giving them the opportunity to have authentic cultural experiences in the area and in their homes. Many students who have participated in this program in past years have shared holidays at their Community Friends’ homes and have attended local area attractions with their families.  Participation in this program is a great way for Rockford community members to learn about cultures and countries from around the world!  The simple application process involves a background check for the hosting household members at no charge to participants.  If you are interested in being a Community Friend to an international student, please complete the Community Friends application.  If you are an international student who would like a Community Friend, please email Julie Griffith at jgriffith@rockford.edu.

Services provided by OGA:

  • >> Assist both U.S. and international students in realizing their dreams of studying abroad
  • >> Provide services related to U.S. immigration regulations
  • >> Offer international student orientation
  • >> Provide international student academic advising and support

Core Values of the Office of Global Affairs

  • “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain
  • “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
  • Enable everyone to have the opportunity to experience traveling abroad.

Meet Our Staff

Maria Diemer
Executive Director of Global Affairs and Coordinator of ESL

Julie Griffith
Associate Director of Global Affairs

Maggie Kasicki
Assistant Director of Global Affairs
ESL Coordinator

 

 

Rockford University is filled with a heartfelt community that has encouraged and built me education wise,socially and emotionally strong which has made me feel home away from home being that I am an international student.

Maria Naggayi

Accounting Major, Uganda

Studying abroad was always an initiative I wanted to take in my life. Considering the knowledge, experience and exposure that you gain by studying away from home, always fascinated me to take this step in my life. Studying in the US has proved that my decision was right.

Mishaal Shah

Computer Science, Saudi Arbia

Studying abroad in Spain has enriched my view of our world by being exposed to various cultures. Each day is an opportunity of personal growth in which one can make unforgettable memories and long lasting friendships.

Jecenia Saldana

Psychology, Studied in Spain

Office of Global Affairs (OGA)
Burpee 2nd Floor
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
001-815-226-4138
Fax: 001-815-226-4141

Maria Diemer, Executive Director
mdiemer@rockford.edu

Julie Griffith, Associate Director
jgriffith@rockford.edu ; 微信/Wechat ID: JulieOGA_Rockford

Maggie Kasicki, Assistant Director
mkasicki@rockford.edu

Hours:
Mon-Fri - 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR